Expectations are important. If you are craving yogurt and you walk into a bakery, you are likely to be disappointed. Think you are going to get a raise, but all you receive is a pat on the back? Frustrated. If you think your date is taking you to see a ballet and you end up […]

We’ve all had the experience. You or your team dream up the most inspiring idea. The one. It couldn’t possibly fail. It is certain to take the brand and business to the next level. And so, you present it, full of joy, ambition, and confidence, and the client says, “That’s a really great idea, but […]

Monsieur Bibendum, Tony the Tiger, the Jolly Green Giant … the world of branding has a huge cast of characters and more are being added all the time. In Mascot, Counter-Print tries to get to the bottom of our fascination with them. “Interest in the animal as a logo or symbol dates way back in […]

While the craft of writing hasn’t gotten any easier for writers over time, the methods and avenues for learning and practicing writing skills have expanded in so many ways. Take a look at my list of more than ten top writing YouTube channels to see which one holds the best writing tips for your creative […]

Branding agency DixonBaxi has partnered with Johannesburg-based Tyme Bank to create branding for a new fintech brand in the Philippines called GoTyme Bank. Designed to help “democratise financial services” in the country, the branding for GoTyme reflects the company’s commitment to openness, accessibility and empowerment. Following extensive market research, the team at DixonBaxi realised that, […]

Whoever said style and substance are mutually exclusive should spend some time with Ebeneza Blanche’s lean yet potent showreel. The director has demonstrated a flair for stylish visuals, a light surreal touch and, most importantly, an instinct for a good story – all of which he manages to package up in mere minutes. Born in […]

We’re all well used to John Lewis tugging on the nation’s heartstrings when it comes to the Christmas ad season. Last year brought a change in tack from the retailer’s tried and tested cute character formula, telling the story of a young space traveller called Skye. In the wake of another challenging 12 months, this […]

Angela Kirkwood’s punky, vintage-style graphics have found a legion of fans on social media – and the story behind her distinctive style is one of gleeful rule-breaking Illustrator and animator Angela Kirkwood describes her work as an “explosion of fun and happiness”, but it has been a journey getting to that point. She studied illustration […]

While no mention of the forthcoming FIFA World Cup in Qatar is explicitly made in the spot, which is by Uncommon Creative Studio, it’s obvious that this is the event that the players are all gearing up for. The ad brings together four players battling different demons or obstacles: England’s Bukayo Saka, who has been […]

How do you get to know someone? But really get to know them, beyond the surface level things like where they grew up, what they do for work, and what hobbies they enjoy? Finding ways to get to know someone is especially important for writers. Whether you’re interviewing someone for an article or book or interrogating […]